Campgrounds around Spiro, Oklahoma sit within the Arkansas River Valley, with most locations below 500 feet elevation in gently rolling terrain. Several campgrounds operate on a reservation system through recreation.gov, particularly Corps of Engineers (COE) sites that maintain strict 14-day maximum stays within any 30-day period. The area experiences significant temperature variations, with summer highs regularly exceeding 90°F and winter overnight temperatures dropping below freezing.
What to do
Fishing from mini docks: Short Mountain Cove provides dedicated fishing platforms right at waterfront sites. According to one visitor, "Mini docks at sites make it nice for fishing. The sites are close to water," making it convenient for anglers to cast lines without leaving their campsite.
Explore Viking history: Heavener Runestone Park offers unique historical exploration alongside camping. A visitor explained, "The history around the Runestone is so interesting, the kids loved hearing about the Vikings. The hiking was beautiful and just challenging enough to be fun while accessible for little kids."
Water activities beyond boating: At Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA, kayaking options provide alternatives to motorized boats. As one camper noted, "Lots to do here at this conveniently located spot. Basketball hoop, pool and hot tub, pond with kayaks, and more."
What campers like
Multiple bathroom facilities: Applegate Cove Campground maintains separate bathroom buildings with different conditions. A recent visitor advised, "The main bathhouse is vented and clean," though they recommended checking which facilities are open during your stay.
Winter camping opportunities: While most Corps of Engineers campgrounds close seasonally, some private campgrounds remain open year-round. At Heavener Runestone Park, winter campers reported, "We stayed here for one night in late December. It was a Sunday and we had the whole campground to ourselves... It smelled amazing and the ground was covered in a thick bed of pine needles."
Cell service alternatives: When staying at campgrounds with limited connectivity, local shuttle services can be valuable. At Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA, one visitor highlighted, "A shuttle runs that is wheelchair accessible that will take you into town for Wal-Mart runs and more."
What you should know
Shared water hookups: At some Corps of Engineers sites, water connections aren't available at every site. A camper at Applegate Cove noted, "Water was to be shared with neighbor site, so why am I paying full price. Pretty stupid. Dump station is quarter of mile outside of campground."
Seasonal facility closures: Bathroom and shower facilities may close without notice during off-peak periods. One visitor at Springhill campground reported being "told showers and restrooms available then suddenly they closed the facilities without notice," affecting their camping experience significantly.
Accessibility challenges: Many campgrounds in the area have terrain limitations. At Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA, a visitor cautioned, "This campground is nice but not really wheelchair friendly. The road was really large rock that is very bumpy and uncomfortable to wheel over."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity considerations: When camping with children at Heavener Runestone Park, site selection matters for both convenience and quiet. One visitor suggested, "I suggest getting there then choosing your own spot since there is a kids playground right next to the camp ground."
Site safety for cliff areas: At elevated campgrounds, not all sites are suitable for families with young children. A parent advised about Heavener Runestone Park, "Out of the three cliff tent sites I would say only 1 was safe for kids, 2 and 3 were too close to the cliff (beautiful views though)."
Pavilion advantages during storms: Covered areas provide valuable protection during unpredictable weather. A family camping at Heavener noted their site "has a covered pavilion which helped us in the rain and a brief storm."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: At Springhill campground, RVers should prepare for uneven pads. One camper reported, "Our concrete pad at site A5 had a bit of an incline, and it looked to be the case for some others as well, but I can't speak for all."
Big rig navigation: Several campgrounds have access limitations for larger vehicles. At Springhill, an RVer cautioned, "Some sites are a little uneven. And some sites are tough to get a 41ft 5th wheel into."
Full hookup availability: Most Corps of Engineers campgrounds near Spiro offer electric and water only. For full hookups including sewer, Riverfront RV Resort provides complete services along with additional amenities. A visitor noted, "Full Hookups, level sites (mostly gravel but level), shop with souvenirs and RV gadgets. The office also has a gameroom, pantry, and propane."
